Lockout for terminal keys

Abstract

Method and apparatus are disclosed for locking out the keys of a personal computer keyboard such that information conveyed by pressing certain keys are not processed by the PC. The method includes the steps of selecting certain keys to be locked out. A lockout routine is addressed which is used to lock out the selected keys. During the lockout procedure keys are identified which are to be locked out. Keys which are not capable of being locked out are used to change the lockout status of a key or to exit the lockout routine.

I claim: 
     
       1. In a personal computer having a monitor, a processing unit and a keyboard, a reversible method for locking out selected keys of the keyboard such that the processing unit does not respond to the locked out keys when pressed and certain keys are exempt from lockout, the method comprising the steps of: responding to a first user input to enter a lockout mode;   responding to user selection in the lockout mode of a nonexempt key to either lock out or reverse from lock out status;   identifying the position of the selected key;   addressing a lockout mode register containing the lockout status of the selected key;   displaying the lockout status to the user;   responding to user selection of a first predetermined and exempt key to change the lockout status of the selected key by changing the data stored in the lockout mode register; and   responding to user selection of a second predetermined and exempt key to exit the lockout mode.   
     
     
       2. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the identifying of the selected key in step c further comprises: mapping the position of the selected key, the mapping producing from a plurality of position signals a key identifying digital signal that is transmitted to the terminal. 
     
     
       3. The method as recited in claim 2 wherein the addressing in step d further comprises: responding to the digital signal received from mapping to address the lockout mode register. 
     
     
       4. The method as recited in claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein changing the lockout status to lock out the selected key further comprises: disabling the identification of the position (step c) of a user selected and locked out key. 
     
     
       5. The method as recited in claim 4 wherein the disabling of key identification further comprises: disabling the mapping of the position of a user selected and locked out key. 
     
     
       6. The method as recited in claims 1, 2 or 3 further comprising repeating steps b-f to change the status of a plurality of keys.